The Pocklingtonian 2021-22 | Page 44

SPORT // BOYS ’ HOCKEY

BOYS ’ HOCKEY

year groups below them and to future teams that will come after them .

1st XI

The 1st XI boys have enjoyed some incredible highs and some disappointing lows over the span of the season ; however , what really characterises this team is that they have done it all together . They have never moaned , complained , or argued with each other after a loss , they have just picked themselves up , brushed themselves off and got ready to go for the next game . They have encapsulated everything that a Pocklington School team should stand for , and have been a model for the
Their statistics , this season , do not represent the quality of this team – it is a testament to the level of competition in boys ’ hockey today , that this team do not have more wins under their belt .
I am confident saying that although they did not reach their maximum potential , they are undoubtedly the most talented 1st XI that Pocklington School has seen in a long time . They should all be extremely proud of the effort , resilience , and determination that they have shown this season .
Player ’ s Player of the Season : Charlie Hutchinson Most Improved Player : Tom McDowell

2nd XI

After a challenging start , the 2nd XI has shown real character and progress as the season has moved on . The team has become more confident and composed out of defence and when playing at pace going forward , they have shown that they can be a threat to opposition in attack .
Our best performances have been when we have played most strongly as a team , with hard work and mutual support – the win against St Peter ’ s was a highlight in this regard . It is difficult to pick out individuals , but Lamek Abraha has worked tirelessly in practice and in games , and Ethan Pym has been outstanding in goal and has the potential to be an excellent first team keeper .
Player of the Season : Ethan Pym Most Improved Player : Lamek Abraha

U15 XI

For most of the boys , this term has seen a return to playing hockey regularly for the first time in two years and , as a result , it has very much been a ‘ development ’ season . What has been impressive , though , is the resilience shown by the boys to come out week after week after heavy defeats against talented opposition . As the season has progressed there have been some noticeable improvements , resulting in fewer goals being conceded in each game . Tom Scothern even managed to score a well-worked goal against BGS ! The boys now need to continue working on the fundamentals of their hockey : organisation and marking in defence ; playing the ball with greater pace ; and close stick skills , empowering more of the team to take on players . In addition , greater commitment from more of the squad to training and making progress will also pay dividends when they start playing senior hockey .
I would like to say a special thank you to Archie Staal , Sam Smart , Kian Doherty , and Jude Collier for their commitment and tenacity this season . In every game they have played , each has worked tirelessly in tough circumstances , and each has developed as a player and a potential leader for the future .
Player of the Season : Kian Doherty Most Improved Player : Jude Collier
42 THE POCKLINGTONIAN